Masking device for galvanized masking

ABSTRACT

A masking device for masking an opening of a workpiece including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal axis that extends between the first end and the second end, and a cylindrical body extending between the first end and the second end. The cylindrical body has an outer periphery defining the circumferential outermost extent of the cylindrical body. The masking device further includes an aperture extending through the cylindrical body between the first end and the second end. The aperture has an inner periphery defining the circumferential innermost extent of the cylindrical body. The masking device further includes a tab extending away from the first end of cylindrical body along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of masking devices, and more particularly to a masking device for masking counterbore openings and through-holes during galvanizing.

BACKGROUND

In the machining industry, manufactured parts often include openings that provide access to internal surface portions of the part. In some instances, the manufactured part is required to be galvanized in order to achieve the necessary or preferred characteristics before the part is used. Depending on the specific application for the part, contact between the galvanizing material and the internal surface portions of the part can be undesirable and/or can severely damage the part.

Often the openings are threaded in order to engage with a threaded fastener or other part. The threads of the opening must engage the fastener or other part perfectly and the addition of galvanizing material disrupts the engagement of the threaded components. Therefore, it is undesirable for the galvanizing material to enter the opening as it may hinder the acceptance of fasteners.

Many products, such as silicone plugs, are known in the art for masking internal surface portions and openings of the part during a coating process. In some cases, silicone plugs are used to mask internal surface portions and opening of the part that is to be galvanized in order to inhibit the galvanizing material from contacting such surface portions during the coating process. These conventional silicone plugs begin to disintegrate at 550 degrees Fahrenheit. As such, silicone plugs disintegrate in galvanizing bath as the galvanizing material reaches temperatures of 800 degrees Fahrenheit. These conventional silicone plugs are not desirable because the galvanizing material disintegrates the silicone plug, thereby allowing the galvanizing material to access the internal surface that is meant to be protected.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention provides a masking device for masking an opening of a workpiece. The masking device includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal axis that extends between the first end and the second end, and a cylindrical body extending between the first end and the second end. The cylindrical body has an outer periphery defining the circumferential outermost extent of the cylindrical body. The masking device further includes an aperture extending through the cylindrical body between the first end and the second end. The aperture has an inner periphery defining the circumferential innermost extent of the cylindrical body. The masking device further includes a tab extending away from the first end of cylindrical body along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a masking device for masking an opening of a workpiece. The masking device includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal axis that extends between the first end and the second end, and a cylindrical body co-axial with the longitudinal axis. The cylindrical body extends between the first end and the second end. The masking device further includes a tab extending away from the first end of the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body is composed of a glass and resin matrix material that is stiff and heat resistant to at least 800 degrees Fahrenheit.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a masking device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the masking device taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is top plan view of the masking device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the masking device of FIG. 1, illustrating the masking device being inserted into an opening of a workpiece.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a masking device according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the masking device taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the masking device of FIG. 5, illustrating the masking device being inserted into an opening of a workpiece.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a masking device 10 that fits via friction fit in an opening 12 (e.g., a through-hole or counterbore with or without threads) of a workpiece 13 (FIG. 4). The masking device 10 is a monolithic component that includes a first end 14, a second end 18, and a cylindrical body 22 extending between the first end 14 and the second end 18. A longitudinal axis 26 extends between the first end 14 and the second end 18. The longitudinal axis 26 is co-axial with the cylindrical body 22. The masking device 10 is composed of a glass and resin matrix material that is heat resistant up to at least 800 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, the masking device 10 is composed of a fiber-reinforced elastomer, a flexible ceramic, or other similar to type of material. The masking device 10 is stiff such that the masking device 10 is not easily bent or changed in shape. However, the glass and resin matrix material accommodates for slight flexing of the masking device 10. For example, at least some features of the masking device 10 diametrically contracts or narrows when the masking device 10 is being pushed through the opening 12 or other component having surfaces to be protected during a coating process. In other words, the masking device 10 is elastic such that the masking device 10 can be slightly deformed when being inserted into the opening 12 of a workpiece 13 to create a friction or clearance fit with the opening 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, the masking device 10 further includes an aperture 30 extending through the cylindrical body 22 between the first end 14 and the second end 18. Also, the aperture 30 extends co-axially with the longitudinal axis 26. The aperture 30 defines an inner periphery of the masking device 10, while the cylindrical body 22 defines an outer periphery of the masking device 10. The inner periphery is the innermost circumferential extent of the cylindrical body 22. In contrast, the outer periphery is the outermost circumferential extend of the cylindrical body 22.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the masking device 10 further includes a tab 34 extending away from the first end 14 of cylindrical body 22 along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 26. The tab 34 is provided so that an operator can grasp the masking device 10 while inserting and removing the masking device 10 from the opening 12 of the workpiece 13. In other embodiments, the tab 34 may be sized and shaped differently from the illustrated embodiment.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the cylindrical body 22 defines a first wall thickness 38 measured along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 26 between the inner periphery and the outer periphery. Similarly, the tab 34 defines a second wall thickness 42 measured along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 26 between the inner periphery and the outer periphery. The first and second wall thicknesses 38, 42 are the same. In fact, the first and second wall thicknesses 38, 42 are between 0.03125 inches and 0.125 inches. Specifically, the first and second wall thickness 38, 42 are approximately 0.0625 inches. As such, the tab 34 does not extend beyond the cylindrical body 22 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 26 as a result of the first and second wall thicknesses 38, 42 being the same.

With reference to FIG. 3, the outer periphery of the cylindrical body 22 defines a first outer radius of curvature 46 and the inner periphery of the cylindrical body 22 defines a first inner radius of curvature 50. Also, the outer periphery of the tab 34 defines a second outer radius of curvature 54 and the inner periphery of the tab 34 defines a second inner radius of curvature 58. The first outer radius of curvature 46 is the same as the second outer radius of curvature 54. Likewise, the first inner radius of curvature 50 is the same as the second inner radius of curvature 58. As such, the tab 34 follows the same curvature path as the cylindrical body 22. The outer radius of curvature 46 of the cylindrical body 22 is substantially the same as the opening 12 of the workpiece 13 to provide a friction or clearance fit when the masking device 10 is inserted.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, during installation, an operator grasps the tab 34 of the masking device 10 and inserts the second end 18 through the opening 12 along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 26. The cylindrical body 22 diametrically contracts slightly as the outer periphery of the cylindrical body 22 and the diameter of the opening 12 are substantially the same. This is due in part to the elastic nature of flexible ceramic material of the masking device 10. Thus, the cylindrical body 22 provides a friction or clearance fit with the opening 12. The tab 34 extends away from the workpiece 13 when the masking device 10 is properly seated, such that an operator has easy access to the tab 34 for removal purposes. At this point, the opening 12 is properly sealed to inhibit galvanizing material from entering the opening 12 during the galvanizing process.

Once the galvanizing process is completed, the masking device 10 is removed from the opening 12. To remove the masking device 10, an operator grasps the tab 34 and pulls the masking device 10 along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 26. The masking device 10 is reusable, and does not migrate, melt or harden allowing it to be used to mask openings in subsequent galvanizing processes.

FIG. 5 illustrates a masking device 110 according to another embodiment. The masking device 110 is similar to the masking device 10 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4, and similar parts have been given the same reference number plus 100. Only differences between the embodiments are described.

With reference to FIG. 5, the masking device 110 is configured for being inserted into an opening 112 having a counterbore 116 (FIG. 8). The masking device 110 is a monolithic component that includes a first end 114, a second end 118, and a cylindrical body 122 extending between the first end 114 and the second end 118. A longitudinal axis 126 extends between the first end 114 and the second end 118. The longitudinal axis 126 is co-axial with the cylindrical body 122. Similar to the masking device 10, the masking device 110 is composed of a glass and resin matrix material that is heat resistant up to at least 800 degrees Fahrenheit.

With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the masking device 110 further includes an aperture 130 extending through the cylindrical body 122 between the first end 114 and the second end 118. Also, the aperture 130 extends co-axially with the longitudinal axis 126. The aperture 130 defines an inner periphery of the masking device 110, while the cylindrical body 122 defines an outer periphery of the masking device 110. The masking device 110 further includes a tab 134 extending away from the first end 114 of cylindrical body 122 along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 126. The tab 134 is provided so that an operator can grasp the masking device 110 while inserting and removing the masking device 110 from the opening 112 of the workpiece 113. In other embodiments, the tab 134 may be sized and shaped differently from the illustrated embodiment.

With reference to FIG. 6, the cylindrical body 122 defines a first wall thickness 138 measured along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 126 between the inner periphery and the outer periphery. Similarly, the tab 134 defines a second wall thickness 142 measured along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 126 between the inner periphery and the outer periphery. The first and second wall thicknesses 138, 142 are the same. In fact, the first and second wall thicknesses 138, 142 are between 0.03125 inches and 0.125 inches. Specifically, the first and second wall thickness 138, 142 are approximately 0.0625 inches. As such, the tab 134 does not extend beyond the cylindrical body 122 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 126 as a result of the first and second wall thicknesses 138, 142 being the same.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, the masking device 110 further includes a flange 162 and a shoulder 166 that connects the flange 162 to the cylindrical body 122. Specifically, the shoulder 166 connects the flange 162 to the second end 118 of the cylindrical body 122. The flange 162 is diametrically larger than the cylindrical body 122. Also, the flange 162 is co-axial with the longitudinal axis 126. The shoulder 166 extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 126 between the flange 162 and the cylindrical body 122. The flange 162 and the shoulder 166 are provided to protect the counterbore 116 from being galvanized.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, during installation, an operator grasps the flange 162 of the masking device 110 and inserts the first end 114 through the opening 112 along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 126 (FIG. 7). The cylindrical body 122 diametrically contracts slightly as the outer periphery of the cylindrical body 122 and the diameter of the opening 112 are substantially the same. Also, the flange 162 diametrically contracts slightly as the outer periphery of the flange 162 and the diameter of the counterbore 116 are substantially the same. This is due in part to the elastic nature of flexible ceramic material of the masking device 110. Thus, the cylindrical body 122 and the flange 162 both provide a friction or clearance fit with the opening 112 and the counterbore 116. The masking device 110 is inserted to a depth in which the tab 134 extends entirely through the opening 112. Subsequently, an operator grasps the tab 134 and pulls the first end 114 through the remainder of the opening 112 until the shoulder 166 abuts or seats against the counterbore 116. The tab 134 extends away from the workpiece 113 when the masking device 110 is properly seated, such that an operator has easy access to the tab 134 for removal purposes. At this point, the opening 112 and the counterbore 116 are properly sealed to inhibit galvanizing material from entering the opening 112 and the counterbore 116 during the galvanizing process.

Once the galvanizing process is completed, the masking device 110 is removed from the opening 112. To remove the masking device 110, an operator grasps the tab 134 and pushes the masking device 110 along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 126, thereby unseating the flange 162 from the counterbore 116. At this point, an operator grasps the flange 162 and pulls the masking device 110 from the opening 112. The masking device 110 is reusable, and does not migrate, melt or harden allowing it to be used to mask openings in subsequent galvanizing processes.

The masking device 10, 110 is manufactured from a glass and resin matrix material. This glass and resin matrix is heat resistant to at least 800 degrees Fahrenheit. This glass and resin matrix material is advantageous over a silicone material because a galvanizing bath can reach up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit. As such, the glass and resin matrix can withstand the high temperatures of the galvanizing bath, whereas the silicone material begins to disintegrate at 550 degrees Fahrenheit. However, most ceramic materials having this level of heat resistance are typically rigid materials (i.e., are not elastic). The glass and resin matrix is further advantageous because it has a level of elastisticity to it such that the masking device 10, 110 can flex when a sufficient force is acted upon it.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described. Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims. 

1. A masking device for masking an opening of a workpiece, the masking device comprising: a first end; a second end opposite the first end; a longitudinal axis that extends between the first end and the second end; a cylindrical body extending between the first end and the second end, the cylindrical body having an outer periphery defining the circumferential outermost extent of the cylindrical body; an aperture extending through the cylindrical body between the first end and the second end, the aperture having an inner periphery defining the circumferential innermost extent of the cylindrical body; and a tab extending away from the first end of cylindrical body along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.
 2. The masking device of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical body defines a first wall thickness measured along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis between the inner periphery and the outer periphery.
 3. The masking device of claim 2, wherein the tab defines a second wall thickness measured along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis between the inner periphery and the outer periphery, wherein the first and second wall thicknesses are the same.
 4. The masking device of claim 3, wherein the first and second wall thicknesses are between 0.03125 inches and 0.125 inches.
 5. The masking device of claim 3, wherein the first and second wall thicknesses are approximately 0.0625 inches.
 6. The masking device of claim 1, wherein the outer periphery of the cylindrical body defines a first outer radius of curvature and the outer periphery of the tab defines a second outer radius of curvature, wherein the first and second outer radius of curvature are the same.
 7. The masking device of claim 1, wherein the inner periphery of the cylindrical body defines a first inner radius of curvature and the inner periphery of the tab defines a second inner radius of curvature, wherein the first and second inner radius of curvature are the same.
 8. The masking device of claim 1, wherein the aperture and the cylindrical body are co-axially with the longitudinal axis.
 9. The masking device of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical body is composed of a material that is heat resistant to at least 800 degrees Fahrenheit. 10-20. (canceled)
 21. The masking device of claim 9, wherein the material is a flexible ceramic.
 22. The masking device of claim 21, wherein the flexible ceramic is a glass and resin matrix material.
 23. The masking device of claim 22, wherein the glass and resin matrix material is a fiber-reinforced elastomer. 